Carson-Newman mourns passing of Hall of Famer, golf coach Charlie King
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Longtime Carson-Newman head golf coach, assistant football coach and Hall of Famer Charlie King passed away Mondayu Nov. 10 at the age of 94.
VIDEO: Charlie King Hall of Fame Induction
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Longtime Carson-Newman head golf coach, assistant football coach and Hall of Famer Charlie King passed away Mondayu Nov. 10 at the age of 94.
A military veteran and longtime faculty member for C-N, King was inducted into the Carson-Newman Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.
A long-time assistant football coach and head golf coach for Carson-Newman, his 1972 golf team was the first Carson-Newman team to participate in a national tournament. In his 32-year coaching career, he accounted for eight NAIA District 24 titles and five NAIA National Tournament berths. King oversaw the transition of the program from NAIA to NCAA Division II; he went on to coach two SAC golfers of the year and six All-SAC golfers. He was also an assistant football coach for the 1972 national runner-up team.
He was preceded in death by Bettye, his wife of 62 years, who he met while both were students at Carson-Newman; his parents, Paul & Susie Troxell King; brothers, Eugene, Paul, & David; sisters, Carolyn, Louise, & Joanne; and son-in-law, Kevin Miller.
Charlie is survived by his children, Kathy Miller, Chuck (Tee) King, and Kelly (Roger) Gentry; granddaughters, Katie-Jo Gentry & Jennilee Gentry Bowers; grandsons, Cal (Eliza) King & Kirby King; and great-grandson, Charlie Bowers.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church, Dandridge, he served his church in many capacities over the years. Charlie loved the Lord, his family, his church, and people. He loved life as much as anyone we've ever known; and especially enjoyed playing golf - which he did until he was 91, and woodcarving. In his later years, he enjoyed carving hummingbirds and crosses; giving them to anyone who crossed his path.
A memorial service will take place at 3PM, Sunday, November 16, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Dandridge; officiated by Dr. Robert Brown & Rev Dr. Justin Terrell. The family will receive friends from 1PM to 3PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church (PO Box 246 - Dandridge, TN 37725) or to Carson-Newman University.
